With Halloween night fast approaching, the Miamisburg Police Department is reaching out to parents and guardians with straightforward safety recommendations. Officers say the early onset of darkness, caused by the end of Daylight Saving Time, makes visibility a top concern for trick‑or‑treaters and drivers alike.
Stay Visible After Dark
Officer Cindi Threlkeld explained that children and adults should make themselves easy to see on the streets. “Whether that means carrying a flashlight or maybe attaching glow sticks, the reflective tape to their costumes just so that they could see and be seen,” she said. The department will be patrolling neighborhoods throughout Halloween night, looking for anyone who may need assistance and ensuring that the streets remain safe.
Check Candy Before You Eat
Another common worry for parents is the safety of the candy collected while trick‑or‑treating. Threlkeld advised families to examine each treat before it is consumed. “If the container is open or it looks like it’s been tampered with, it’d be a good idea to just throw it away,” she warned.
These guidelines echo the department’s broader effort to keep the community safe during the holiday. Officers will be stationed in several neighborhoods, offering a visible presence and a point of contact for any concerns that arise.
Parental Conversations Matter
Local residents also stressed the importance of open dialogue at home. Lloyd James and Julie Grabiak, whose 16‑year‑old son is opting out of trick‑or‑treating in favor of a party, said they have ongoing safety talks with their teen. “He’s at the age where alcohol can be introduced or any types of drugs. We keep a very open conversation about those kinds of things,” Grabiak shared.
By combining clear communication at home with the police department’s visibility measures, families can help ensure that Halloween remains a fun, family‑friendly celebration.
Additional Tips for a Safe Evening
- Dress children in bright or reflective clothing.
- Use flashlights or glow sticks on costumes and bags.
- Stay on well‑lit streets and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas.
- Accompany younger children or set clear boundaries for older teens.
- Inspect all candy before consumption; discard any suspicious items.
For real‑time updates and alerts, residents can download the WHIO‑TV News app, which provides breaking news and safety notifications throughout the holiday.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
